I don't look at it as a downgrade in bows, but more like an opportunity to upgrade your hunting skills.

I agree--don't make the mistake of going to heavy with a first bow. That makes the learning curve a whole lot steeper. Most don't need anything more than 40# or so to begin with, some less than that.

Good instruction goes a long way. I'd go with Masters of the Barebow, Volume III (and probably IV when it comes out--due out soon). For a good read, especially the mental aspects, Rick McKinney's "The Simple Art of Winning" gets great reviews from people that know how to shoot.

I liked the guy when I met him, but I don't like G. Fred Asbell's method of shooting. There's a book out...something about "Classical Archery" by Tony Camara--as best I can tell the only accurate information in it was plagerized from people that know how to shoot.

Rod Jenkins is doing clinics all over the U.S. and all over the world--if you get a chance to be part of one of those, you can learn in a weekend what would take literally years and years to learn on your own. Well worth the money IMO.

As for the Savannah....just depends on your preferances. Lots of folks love them, but I didn't care for the two I've shot. Different strokes for different folks--I do prefer longbows though.

Chad